Remembrance Bridge opening in doubt

CONTRACTORS are battling to finish the $11 million Remembrance Bridge, which connects the Cenotaph and the Queens Domain, in time for Remembrance Day on November 11.

Construction on the Remembrance Bridge, which will span the Tasman Highway. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

CONTRACTORS are battling to finish the $11 million Remembrance Bridge, which connects the Cenotaph and the Queens Domain, in time for Remembrance Day on November 11.

A planned closure of the Domain Highway next weekend has been delayed because of some technical construction problems.

The bridge spans are being constructed off-site at Macquarie Point and were to be linked between 7pm on Friday, October 12, and 6am on Monday, October 15.

A source close to the council said the council was “still hopeful” that it could be completed in time.

Lord Mayor Ron Christie said the Hobart City Council was awaiting further information from contractor Fulton Hogan about a possible revised date for the lifting of the bridge span.

Fulton Hogan safety environment and community consultation manager Steve Eeles said the contractor would discuss the issue tomorrow and identify a new date for the road closure.

Senator Jonathon Duniam. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

The RACT is concerned that a delay to a time after school holidays would exacerbate traffic problems.

However, Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam welcomed the reprieve for commuters.

“Up until very recently plans were in place for the main arterial road connecting Hobart with the Eastern Shore, the South-East and, most importantly, the airport, to be closed for almost three days,” he said.

“I have previously highlighted that the planned installation works for the pedestrian bridge would have been a nightmare for motorists, and that it is not good enough.

“The impacts on commuters would have been substantial, sending the city into absolute chaos.

“I now call on the council and the relevant authorities to use this time to reassess construction plans to avoid a full road closure.”

Alderman Christie said he was pleased that Senator Duniam had welcomed the delay.

“We contacted the senator’s office to discuss his concerns and I would welcome any constructive comments he would like to make,” he said.

The bridge has been controversial, with Hobart alderman Damon Thomas pushing earlier this year for it to be called the Gellibrand Bridge after Tasmanian soldier Sir John Gellibrand (1872-1945), who was the founder of Legacy.

However, a council meeting in June decided to call it the Remembrance Bridge.